The WEG PLC500 is a compact, medium-sized programmable logic controller designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern Industry 4.0 applications. It distinguishes itself through a powerful heterogeneous processing architecture: a 1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 application processor is paired with a 200MHz ARM Cortex-M4 real-time coprocessor. This combination, supported by 1GB of RAM and 4GB of Flash memory, allows the PLC500 to handle complex control algorithms, multiple simultaneous tasks, and advanced IIoT communication with ease. The controller is built for seamless integration, sharing the same plug-and-play expansion cards as the WEG RUW100 remote unit line, ensuring flexibility and fast integration into factory environments.

The PLC500 is fully programmable via the globally recognized CODESYS® platform, which adheres to the IEC 61131-3 international standard. This provides engineers with a powerful, object-oriented development environment supporting six programming languages: Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL), Sequential Function Chart (SFC), and Continuous Function Chart (CFC). The platform enables efficient code development, simulation, and debugging, accelerating time-to-market for OEMs and system integrators. Memory is partitioned into dedicated areas for data, code, retain variables, and persistent variables, ensuring reliable operation and data retention.

The base model PLC500 features 8 digital inputs (PNP) and 8 digital outputs (PNP), with 5 of the inputs capable of high-speed counting up to 150 kHz and 3 of the outputs supporting high-speed PWM up to 300 kHz. Its modular design supports up to 8 local expansion cards, available in 10 different configurations, including additional digital I/O, universal analog inputs/outputs (0-10V, 0/4-20mA), and temperature measurement cards for thermocouples (J, K, T) and RTDs (PT100, PT1000). Each expansion card is just 25 mm wide, maintaining a compact overall footprint. The PLC500 also provides a comprehensive suite of communication interfaces, including two Gigabit Ethernet ports, an isolated RS485 port, an isolated CAN port, USB Device and OTG ports, and a Micro SD card slot for additional storage and program transfer.

Connectivity is a core strength of the PLC500, with native support for a wide array of industrial protocols including Modbus RTU/TCP, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and Profinet. For IIoT applications, it includes MQTT support for efficient cloud data transfer and seamlessly integrates with the WEG Smart Machine cloud platform for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data analytics. WEG has expanded the PLC500 family with two specialized variants: the PLC500MC (Motion Controller), which leverages CODESYS SoftMotion to control up to 32 axes, real or virtual, and features integrated CAM and 3D CNC editors; and the PLC500ED (Edge Device), which incorporates edge computing capabilities to process data locally and interact with cloud platforms, reducing latency and optimizing data flow. The PLC500 is designed for robust industrial environments, meeting IP20 protection standards, withstanding vibrations from 5-150 Hz, and carrying CE, UL, and UKCA certifications.

Technical Specifications